What do you do with your 1 nap toddlers in crappy weather?

janjag

We are down to 1 nap, which means you have the WHOLE morning to fill.  It's nice b/c you can actually get them out of the house, go to the park, run an errand, all without rushing.

But we're on day 3 of rain...

With one toddler I'd probably go to an indoor mall and let her walk around, but no way with two.

daisybride78

Do you have any indoor play places in the area? We have a Kids Town which is imagination inspired play and a lil monkey bizness which is like an indoor playground. Both are perfect for toddlers!

janjag

I know we have a couple in the city, but need to look into the closest.  I'm wary to go too far from home and have them fall asleep in the car on the way home. 

But thanks for the suggestions... I forgot all about those places!

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a few malls in my area have play areas - they are really the only place i can take all 3 of my kids and let them run around right now - b/c there is only one entrance/exit- and everything is safe for the twin's age... we go there on rainy days often.

i can't do parks now unless i have help- so the boys don't really get out and running around except for the mall play areas if I am home alone with them.

we go to costco, grocery store, target, mall, etc.... there are some play places i used to take them last year before the twins could walk - but now i can't again- without help- until they are a little older and more "trustworthy"

omalley

The kids section of our Barnes and Noble has a Thomas the Train table and little chairs.  That kept them occupied for awhile and it was free!

I also have a basket of stuff in the closet that I keep separate from their toy boxes.  It contains puzzles, washable markers, and stamps.  I put them in their highchairs for the markers and stamps and they sit there forever and love it. 

These items are new and exciting and hold their attention for awhile.  It is my rainy day stash.

janjag

Goldie, I have this one park/playground that is so big, and not ever crowded during the week, so I can just chase after them for about an hour...  There are no fences, but I keep the stroller with me so I can strap one kid in if necessary.  Vivienne isn't running yet, so it's still managable. 

We have no malls with indoor play around us.  Makes sense in NJ with the real weather you have.  Here people just don't know what to do with themselves when it rains.

Omalley, I will have to get some special toys/projects! 

 

gumiberg

Do you have a Litte Gym or something similar?  You dont even have to go to a class, they have play times when the kids can just run around, go down the slides, etc.

Also my kids really like the coin operated rides in  the mall.  We just had a really got summer (i'm in AZ) so we've been stuck indoors for the last few months.  

We also did A LOT of grocery shopping.  Costco, trader joes, farmer's market, target, wal-mart, whole foods....my babies know each store very well!